Theatre Arts 3Mrs. Samantha Dunaway

(682) 314-1300 Rm. 1414 samanthadunaway@misdmail.org

Welcome to Theatre Arts! Theatre is concerned with the communication of human issues. Its purpose is to teach students to cope with the complexities of human relationships in modern society. Students should examine theatre as a part of daily life, as a way of enhancing knowledge and skills, and as a means of expression. All students will benefit from ongoing educational theatre experiences and will be able to focus their creative energies and stretch their imaginations.

This year’s curriculum will encourage each student to develop confidence and poise through various group, individual, and performance activities. This course combines a wide variety of activities which promote growth in the following areas: listening skills, critical thinking abilities, research techniques, and performance and delivery skills.

The development of these skills is the result of the combination of teacher and peer assistance. As a group, our classroom goals are to encourage excellence, praise effort, listen attentively, work diligently, and strive for the best. Since Theatre Arts is frightening for many people, our goals are designed to help each of us remember that our response to a student’s performance determines our success as an entire class.

To achieve our goals, we must abide by a few classroom and performance space rules:

1. Respect : We must respect each other, each other’s property, the school, and ourselves. This includes (but is not limited to) exercising proper audience etiquette, not bringing food, drink, or GUM to class, and raising your hand to speak/answer.

2. Be Responsible : A successful student will always be prepared to get to work by always having their school supplies handy and easily accessible, having their work ready to turn in/perform, and being on time.

3. Keep your dear teacher happy : By being respectful, responsible, and exhibiting outstanding behavior and commitment, this should be a piece of cake!

Remember: Attitude is key!! This is a performance class, therefore it is very important that you are supportive of each other and maintain a positive attitude about getting up in front of each other. You will be working in groups for many assignments, so getting along with everyone is important! Attitude will play a vital role in how successful you will be and how much you will learn. Grading Policies: (at least one grade per week)

1. Daily grades = 40% (written assignments, audience etiquette, focus activities, journal checks, deadlines met, participation, quizzes, etc.)

2. Major grades = 60% (tests, performances, memorizations, major projects)

Cheating of any kind will not be tolerated and will result in a ZERO being assigned to the student(s) involved. Unauthorized prompting or use of a script during a memorized activity will be considered cheating.

Homework/Performance Policies:

1. Make-up Work: Each student is responsible for all work missed during an absence. Please do not return

to class expecting the teacher to cover the prior day’s material for you as class begins. Since this is mostly a participation/lecture-based class, it is your responsibility to contact a classmate prior to your return to acquaint yourself with what you have missed or come to tutoring. The general rule is that a student has as many days to make up work as per number of days absent.

2. Late Work: Late work will be accepted for a reduced grade (15 points per day) up to three

days. Late is defined as anything that arrives in my (the teacher’s) hands after I’ve announced that the work must be turned in. This does not include performances.

3. Performances: Performances are due for all students on the first day scheduled. Late

performances are not accepted for full credit. If not prepared when called upon to perform, a minimum of 10 points will be deducted from the performance grade. If you are absent on the day prior to the performance due date, you will still be expected to perform on the assigned due date.

4. Tests/Projects: Tests and long range projects are due for all students on the date scheduled, even for those who are absent on the day prior to the due date. Please do not procrastinate on long range assignments; plan ahead!

5. Script Subject Matter: Students will occasionally have the opportunity to search and find their own

scripts for performances or projects. Before submitting for approval, students are expected to use reasonable discretion in editing scripts for rehearsal and performance in a classroom setting. Please use good judgment and these guidelines:

a. Delete all profanity from your rehearsal script with marker or white-out.b. Do not use profanity or suggestive business in rehearsal or performance.c. Seek teacher approval for any questionable language or business before it is used.

Failure to adhere to these guidelines will be considered disrespectful to the class and/or inappropriate and will result in a referral.

Course Description:

First 6 Weeks:o Audience Etiquetteo Voice and Dictiono Elements of Actingo Auditioning

Second 6 Weeks:o Greek Theatreo Ensemble/Chorus Actingo Puppetry

Third 6 Weeks:o Shakespeare in historyo Shakespearean Acting

o Careers in Theatre Fourth 6 Weeks:

o Mask Worko Commedia dell’Arte

Actingo Film Study

Fifth 6 Weeks:o Restoration Actingo Directing Projects

Sixth 6 Weeks:o Realism Actingo Modern Actingo Auditioning with Styles

Supplies Needed:

MISD iPad charged and ready to use each day Highlighters Pencils 1 box of tissues OR a bottle of hand sanitizer Any other generous donations of classroom supplies are greatly appreciated!

This looks to be an exciting and successful year for the Theatre students at Timberview HS. As your teacher, I am

here to guide you, support you, answer all of your questions, and provide you with an opportunity to fully explore your

creativity and artistic expression. As a student, you must do your part to ensure your success in this class and all of your other classes. Reach for excellence in everything you do and

there will be no limit to what you can achieve.THE THEATRE IS MAGIC, AND THERE’S MAGIC IN THE

THEATRE! -Mrs. Dunaway

Theatre Arts 3 Syllabus and Policy Agreement

Please sign and return this portion only to Mrs. Dunaway by August 30, 2018. The rest of the syllabus will remain in the student’s AVID binder.

Student Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ______________________

Parent Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ______________________

Timberview Theatre C.R.E.E.D.

We are Creators. We are Risk-Takers. We Empower. We Engage. We Dream.